This article is based on an official press release from Natilus and additional company documentation provided in the source material.

Natilus Secures $28 Million Series A to Advance Blended-Wing Fleet

Natilus, a San Diego-based aerospace manufacturer, has announced the successful closing of a $28 million Series A funding round. The investment is set to accelerate the development of the company’s proprietary “blended-wing body” (BWB) aircraft, a design architecture intended to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional tube-and-wing airframes.

According to the company’s announcement, the funding will prioritize the completion and flight testing of the Kona, a full-scale cargo drone prototype, as well as the continued development of the Horizon Evo passenger aircraft. Natilus aims to address the aviation industry’s dual challenges of capacity shortages and aggressive decarbonization goals.

Investment Led by Draper Associates

The Series A round was led by Draper Associates, the firm founded by venture capitalist Tim Draper. The financing also included participation from strategic investors across the logistics and defense sectors, including Flexport, Type One Ventures, The Veterans Fund, and New Vista Capital. Additional backing came from Soma Capital, Liquid 2 VC, VU Venture Partners, and Wave FX.

In its official statement, Natilus highlighted the strong market demand for its proposed fleet, reporting an order book of more than 570 aircraft pre-orders. The company values these commitments at approximately $24 billion. The capital injection is expected to help Natilus transition from design and prototyping into active flight testing.

The Blended-Wing Advantage

Natilus is attempting to disrupt the aerospace market by commercializing the Blended-Wing Body (BWB) design. Unlike conventional aircraft where the fuselage and wings are distinct, a BWB integrates them into a single lifting surface. According to performance metrics released by the company, this aerodynamic shift offers several operational benefits:

• Fuel Efficiency: A projected 30% reduction in fuel consumption.
• Operational Costs: A potential 50% reduction in operating costs.
• Payload Capacity: Approximately 40% more payload volume than traditional aircraft of the same weight.
• Sustainability: A 50% reduction in carbon emissions, with compatibility for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and future hydrogen propulsion systems.

“Global aircraft demand has outpaced the combined production capabilities of Boeing and Airbus… The market is hungry for a new manufacturing entrant that can navigate supply chain constraints and deliver a superior aircraft.”

— Natilus Press Statement

Fleet Roadmap: From Cargo to Passengers

Natilus is pursuing a “Cargo First” strategy, intending to certify and fly uncrewed cargo aircraft to accumulate flight hours and validate safety data before introducing passenger services.

The Kona Cargo Drone

The immediate focus of the Series A funding is the Kona, a regional cargo UAV designed to carry 3.8 tons of freight. The aircraft is engineered as a short-haul feeder capable of landing on unpaved runways, such as gravel or dirt, expanding logistics access to remote areas. According to the company’s timeline, the first flight for the Kona is expected within 24 months, targeting late 2027 or early 2028.

Horizon Evo Passenger Aircraft

Following the cargo implementation, Natilus plans to launch the Horizon Evo, a passenger aircraft capable of seating 200+ travelers. This model is positioned as a direct competitor to the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321neo.

Recent design updates to the Horizon Evo include a transition to a dual-deck configuration. The company states this pivot was driven by feedback from the FAA and airline customers to improve emergency egress paths and certifiability. The new layout places cargo on the lower deck and passengers on the upper deck, offering a more traditional window experience for travelers. Service entry for the Horizon Evo is targeted for the early 2030s.

Strategic Leadership and Industry Context

To bolster its certification and manufacturing capabilities, Natilus has appointed Kory Mathews to its Board of Directors. Mathews is a former Vice President of Phantom Works and VP/Chief Engineer of Boeing Military Aircraft. His background in rapid prototyping and military certification is expected to guide Natilus through the complex regulatory landscape.

AirPro News Analysis

The aerospace sector is currently facing a projected shortfall of over 15,000 aircraft in the next two decades. While established giants like Boeing and Airbus struggle with production constraints, new entrants like Natilus and its primary competitor, JetZero, are racing to fill the gap with more efficient designs.

We observe a distinct strategic divergence between the two main BWB contenders. While JetZero has secured significant U.S. Air Force backing to develop a large-scale demonstrator for simultaneous military and passenger use, Natilus is opting for a granular, commercial-first approach. By starting with the smaller, uncrewed Kona, Natilus may be able to de-risk the BWB airframe technology in a regulatory environment that is generally more permissive of cargo drones than passenger transport. However, the success of this strategy hinges on the company’s ability to translate uncrewed flight data into passenger certification standards by the 2030s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Blended-Wing Body (BWB) aircraft?

A BWB is an aircraft design where the wings and fuselage are merged into a single lifting body. This reduces aerodynamic drag and increases lift, leading to significantly higher fuel efficiency and internal volume compared to traditional “tube-and-wing” planes.

When will Natilus aircraft start flying?

The uncrewed Kona cargo drone is expected to make its first flight in late 2027 or early 2028. The passenger-carrying Horizon Evo is targeted for service entry in the early 2030s.

Who are the main investors in Natilus?

The Series A round was led by Draper Associates. Other investors include Flexport, Type One Ventures, The Veterans Fund, New Vista Capital, and Soma Capital.

Sources

• PR Newswire